Independent inquiry into child abuse consultations

From: Jason Brown

January 17, 2018

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing to seek information on the following questions surrounding the issue of child abuse in New Zealand, and prospects for an independent inquiry into this area.

As background, I note that the MSD annual report 2016-17 identifies 100,000+ cases of child abuse reported to authorities in a single 12 month period - of which 15% continued to suffer neglect and abuse even after being reported, see:
http://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-m...

1. Given MSD estimates of domestic violence and child abuse costing NZ $5.8 billion, will the inquiry be a full Royal Commission of Inquiry - if not why not?
2. Given the continued high incidence of youth abuse and suicide why is government continuing to focus its comments only on "historic" cases?
3. Who is government consulting with on setting the terms of reference for the independent inquiry?
4. Will there be any public consultation before the terms of reference are set - if not why not?
5. What official advice have you and your cabinet received on the issue of child abuse?
6. What advice can be shared with the public?

From: Jo Pettitt

February 15, 2018

On behalf of Mike Munro, I attach a letter in respect of your OIA request received on 17^th January 2018.

Yours sincerely

Jo Pettitt

Executive Assistant │Office of Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff

DDI : + 64 4 817 9732 │Mobile : + 64 21 229 9436

9-038 Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6011

The information contained in this email is intended for the named recipient only. It may contain privileged material or information in confidence and if you are not the intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on it.

If you have received this email in error please notify us immediately by telephone (04 817-9732) or by return email.